Teaching Your Pre Kindergartner Basic Computer Skills

As parents, we are use to schools having expectations of our children. In the past, we taught our children their colors, shapes, how to count, and letters. Now another skill they need to know as been added. It is becoming increasingly important that a child entering Kindergarten know some basic computer skills. Why is this important? After all they are only in the first year of school.

Most schools now have kindergarten classrooms equipped with computers. Many schools also have a resource computer lab where students go one period a week to learn computer skills and practice academic skills. Educators expect students to at least know the basics about computers. Listed here, are the basics your child should know before entering school.

1) Your child should know the parts of the computer. When a teacher says pick up the mouse, the student should understand. Your child should be able to name the parts of the computer, including the hard drive, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

2) A teacher expects a student to know how to turn a computer on. From my experience, a teacher will help a child log in to the computer. Your child should at least know how to turn the hard drive on.

3) A teacher expects a child to be somewhat familiar with the keyboard. He should at least be able to find the letters of his name on a standard keyboard.

4) Your child should be familiar with how to operate a mouse. This includes knowing how to follow and read where the mouse cursor is.

5) The most important computer skill your child will need to know is how to wait. Many students start punching keys and end up in computer never land. Your child should learn to sit quietly until someone gives additional directions.

Most children have access to computers in their homes. If your child does not have a computer or laptop at home, it would be a good idea to visit a relative or friend who has a computer. An even better idea is to make a trip to the local library and to borrow their computer. Most libraries will let you use their computer for a period of time. Most libraries have no charge for this service. While there, check out a few books for your child!